Is it false that navigation lights are mandated for all vessels during nighttime operations?

The assertion that navigation lights are mandated for all vessels during nighttime operations is indeed true. All vessels, regardless of their type or size, are required to display proper navigation lights when operating at night or during times of reduced visibility. This requirement is outlined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically in Rule 20, which states that vessels must exhibit lights and shapes that comply with the regulations to ensure safety and avoid collisions.

By using navigation lights, vessels can be identified in the dark, allowing for safe navigation and communication between vessels. This requirement applies universally to all ships, including passenger ships, cargo ships, and recreational vessels. Therefore, the option indicating that it is false to claim that navigation lights are mandated for all vessels is incorrect, making the selected answer accurate.